Dual input to amplifier challenge

[Audiohippo]

I am trying to combine my 2CH and HT systems together, while my ARC Ref6 does have PROC mode it still utilizes the tubes.

My plan was to utilize an XLR Y-Cable to take the output signal from the Ref6+SP3 -> amplifier. With the caveat that both devices could not be powered on at the same time.

I purchased a cheap 2F -> 1M XLR to test, the cable works with one of the inputs connected i.e. from the Ref6, but when I connect the second input (i.e. SP3 and the unit is in standby) it goes dead.

Any ideas? I am guessing there is some type of signal coming from the units even when they are in Standby which prevents this scenario from working.

 

[W9TR]

Without knowing the schematic / topology of the output sections of the pre/pro and 2-channel preamp, paralleling them is a total crap shoot. Even if it worked, you would probably be adding distortion by having the unused output driven by the active output.

To pull this off, you would need some sort of switchbox that isolated the two outputs - and that would come with its own sonic signature.

Tom

 

[Audiohippo]

Without knowing the schematic / topology of the output sections of the pre/pro and 2-channel preamp, paralleling them is a total crap shoot. Even if it worked, you would probably be adding distortion by having the unused output driven by the active output.

To pull this off, you would need some sort of switchbox that isolated the two outputs - and that would come with its own sonic signature.

Tom

Agreed. I think I may just have to run it through the Ref6/PROC function and be done with it.

 

[Shadowfax]

I don't have gear like yours and only have the option to use standard ICs. But, I do use my 2CH rig as the Front L&R of my HT setup. I send the Front L&R Pre Outs from my HT to an input of my Pre. I put the Pre volume knob at 12oclock and then run the Audyssey software do the leveling. Any time I use the HT, I set the pre knobs to the same 12oclock position (I have click steps on my volume knobs so always the same position.

 

[Kingrex]

Signal on rhe ground is going to feed back up into the other gear.

 

[Mr Peabody]

You are correct, don't do that.

For a while I actually had two systems, both shared my main speakers. What I did was use bananas at the speakers for a quick switch back and forth, depending on what system I wanted to use.

Now if your power amp accepted both XLR and RCA, and had a switch to choose the input, you could use XLR from one preamp and RCA from the other.

Or, if your power amp is easy to get to the back just switch the cables back and forth. I have enough room to reach over my amp and don't need to see to switch cables so this would work for me.

My preamp has bypass but due to a ground issue I can't seem to eliminate I'm isung a regular input and doing what Shadowfax does, basically. The ground issue goes away when using XLR connection.

I am trying to combine my 2CH and HT systems together, while my ARC Ref6 does have PROC mode it still utilizes the tubes.

My plan was to utilize an XLR Y-Cable to take the output signal from the Ref6+SP3 -> amplifier. With the caveat that both devices could not be powered on at the same time.

I purchased a cheap 2F -> 1M XLR to test, the cable works with one of the inputs connected i.e. from the Ref6, but when I connect the second input (i.e. SP3 and the unit is in standby) it goes dead.

Any ideas? I am guessing there is some type of signal coming from the units even when they are in Standby which prevents this scenario from working.

 

[Kingrex]

You need an a /b box. I have used your splutter with guitar amps, it always seemed to flatten the signal. The a /b box allowed a choice with no drop in signal. You could make one for $20.